A nominator’s story 

“The process worked! Someone from our community, someone humble who has done so much for us was being recognised with an Order of Australia honour," said an anonymous nominator when asked about their experience.

You can nominate anyone for an Order of Australia honour – from community volunteers to scientists, from entrepreneurs to educators, from tradies to dancers.  
 
A nominator’s story 

One nominator decided to nominate a community member who she saw was stepping up in a time of crisis after the recent bushfire disasters. She wanted to find a way of acknowledging that that person had been seen, and recognise their contribution.  

“I got motivated and went online. I thought, what have I got to lose?” she says. “The nominating process was not particularly difficult … and I enjoyed the opportunity to sit down and think about describing my nominee’s achievements and its impact. It did take a bit of time, you can’t just click and send. But that makes it worthwhile.”  

She says she was thrilled to learn that her nomination had actually resulted in an award for their community member. “I didn’t have to be in government, or on the local council. The process worked – someone from our community, someone humble who has done so much for us was being recognised with an Order of Australia honour. I felt very chuffed – I felt great!” 

“I would definitely nominate someone again. And it shows that if you are motivated to do it, there is a process that means someone can be recognised formally.”